Road To Zero Waste

As we continue to Stay At Home – Work Safe, Austinites have taken to their yards to improve the homes that have become their offices in recent weeks. As such, the amount of yard trimmings collected by Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) has reached an all-time high. Between March 30 and April 3, ARR received 89% more yard trimmings than over the same time last year!

While impressed by the efforts of Austin residents to keep their outdoor spaces fresh, ARR operators are being taxed by the large volumes of material they collect, sometimes working up to 13-hour shifts. Here are some useful tips that will help you “recycle” your yard trimmings at home instead of discarding them in your green cart or lawn and leaf bags.

Try your hand at backyard composting. Composting is a great way to recycle your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings, reduce your trash output, and generate a free, rich soil conditioner.

Recycle your yard trimmings into mulch. Shredded fallen leaves and grass clippings work as a great mulch around shrubs, plants, and at the base of trees to prevent weed growth and keep your yard and garden healthy.

Finally, know what belongs in your composting cart. Download the Austin Recycles app, which allows customers to search for items they are unsure of what to do with and learn how to dispose of them properly. It also provides reminders about regular trash, recycling, compost and other curbside collections, as well as alerts about collection delays or service interruptions. The app is available for iOS and Android.

Thank you for keeping Austin beautiful, even in this time of uncertainty. Happy mowing, trimming and mulching!

On Monday, April 27, four groups of entrepreneurs gathered online to pitch innovative business ideas to a panel of expert judges at the [Re]Verse Pit­ch competition. What makes these pitches stand out? Each business idea utilized products created out of byproduct material (material waste) from a local business. During the two-hour event, ideas from dog beds made out of scrap decorator fabric samples to indoor pots and planters made out of vinyl record scraps were pitched. But only two winners were chosen and awarded prizes totaling $20,000.

Terra Helmets

Terra Helmets was one of the winning groups, which will be receiving $10,000 from the City of Austin to develop and expand their business idea: repurposing decorator fabric samples, vinyl record scraps and plastic sandals to create helmets for riders of electric rideshare scooters. Terra Helmets will be partnering with local companies for the byproduct materials, including Austin Creative Reuse and International Interior Designers Association (IIDA) for the decorator fabric samples, Gold Rush Vinyl for the vinyl record scraps, and Travis County for the plastic sandals. These byproduct materials, which would normally be sent to the landfill, will be used to make durable helmets for local residents using electric scooters. Thanks to creators Aadhikesh Boopalam, Seniru Kottegoda and Collin McCloskey, these materials will have a new life. “Using byproduct materials from local businesses and turning them into helmets allows us to keep ‘waste’ out of the landfill and foster a safe community. We’re protecting the earth while protecting your head,” said McCloskey of Terra Helmets during their final pitch event.

LoFi Recycling Systems

The second winner, LoFi Recycling Systems, was awarded the other $10,000 to develop and expand their business, which repurposes vinyl record scraps into indoor pots and planters. These pots and planters are a creative solution to recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which makes up the vinyl records. Although a widely used plastic, PVC can be very difficult to recycle. Samantha Panger and Destin Douglas of LoFi Recycling Systems saw the material’s potential as a resource and are hopeful their business will grow as a sustainable solution to the concern of byproduct waste. “We want to keep PVC from ever ending up in a landfill, and turn it into something useful,” says Panger. “We will be able to use and shape this material into pots and planters… it’s a new and exciting way to recycle plastic waste.

A final congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Reverse Pitch competition. Your inspiring and innovative solutions to keeping byproduct waste out of our landfills helps better our city in more ways than one. We applaud your efforts and participation in our Zero Waste competition series. Join us next year to see what creative solutions Austinites come up with next!

As we Stay At Home – Work Safe, many of us have seen an increase in the amount of trash, recycling, compost and yard trimmings we are setting at the curb. Last week, Austin Resource Recovery Director Ken Snipes talked about what you can do to protect our waste collection workers. Another way to help is doing your part to sort and dispose of items the right way.

1. Know before you throw

Not sure what to do with used wipes, masks and rubber gloves? Learn what to do with each item you are trying to dispose of by playing the Austin Recycles Game, using ourwhat do I do with...? tool or downloading the Austin Recycles App.

2. Fill your cart first

We’ve waived all extra trash fees at this time, but we are asking that you secure all trash in plastic trash bags and fill your cart first. If your cart is full, securely tie any extra bags and leave them next to your trash cart.

Recyclables should be clean and loose in your carts. Fit as much as you can in the cart by breaking down boxes and crushing cans. If you have too much recycling to fit in your cart, you can use an extra box to fill with recyclables or call 3-1-1 to request a second recycle cart at no additional cost.

Make sure you fill your green compost cart first and put any extra yard trimmings in lawn and leaf bags.

3. Make the switch to reusable

There’s no better time than now to learn how to ditch single-use plastics and go reusable. One way to reduce the amount of waste you are hauling to the curb is by not generating that waste in the first place! Refuse plasticware on your take-out orders, use reusable containers for leftovers, or skip bottled water in favor of reusable cups or water bottles. Making small changes to your daily habits can add up to a lot of trash and recyclables that you’ll no longer be putting in your carts.

Every extra effort you can make to reduce your waste and educate yourself on how to dispose of items helps our employees stay safe on the job. Thank you for doing your part!

Over the past few weeks, we have seen strong interest regarding what we are doing to protect our waste collection workers. I’d like to highlight the importance of these critical workers and the vital role that they play to protect the health and safety of our community. I’d also like to underscore actions that both organizations and the public should consider in protecting our frontline workers.

The front lines

Doctors, nurses, emergency medical service providers, first responders. These occupations are easily recognizable as “front line” service providers and deservedly so. They work tirelessly to test and treat those affected by COVID-19; coming in contact with the virus we still have much about which to learn. That said, seldom do we think about other occupations that are also out there on the front lines, like sanitation workers. Waste collection is critical to protect our people and communities. These workers are typically not who first come to mind when we think about the front lines, but I think they should be. Not ahead of any of the other frontline service providers, but right alongside them.

The 1918 Flu and waste collection

One of the great pandemics in our history was the 1918 flu. Worldwide, roughly 50 million people died from the disease, with about 675,000 deaths in the United States. The disease was so devastating that the life expectancy in the United States was lowered from 51 years in 1917 to 39 years in 1918. No one was spared!

In many cities, waste collection workers were hit especially hard. As the disease spread through and thinned their ranks, garbage piled up. In San Francisco, the issue was so significant; the city had no choice but to cover piles of garbage with dirt. In other cities along the east coast, trash piled up in the streets as high as two to three feet. As we fast forward to 2020 and the COVID-19 outbreak, the question before us now is, what have we learned from the 1918 outbreak and others that we can use to protect our waste collection workers?

Protecting our waste collection workers

Protections should begin with providing as much social distance as possible. An essential component of social distancing is to stay at home, but for our sanitation workers, that is not an option.

Organizations should explore opportunities to reduce the number of funnel points collection workers encounter daily. Considerations should include reducing the number of indoor meetings, engagements in tight quarters, and restricting daily access to and reliance on locker rooms. Industry leaders should also consider reducing three-person work crews to two-person teams, where feasible and safe to do so. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including single-use and puncture-proof gloves, eye protection and, when available, masks should be strictly enforced. All vehicles, equipment and frequent touchpoints should be sanitized frequently.

Finally, there are steps the public can take to help protect waste collection workers too. They should be asked to bag and securely tie all trash, as collection workers should avoid coming into contact with loose trash. Additionally, the public can wipe down their cart handles when they set them out for collections.

Let’s all do our part to protect these unsung frontline workers so that they and their families remain safe and healthy.

Breakups are hard, but deep down you know it’s usually for the best. Especially, when you are breaking up with plastic bags. Many Austinites are in the habit of bringing their own bags to the grocery store, but there are a lot of unexpected ways to get more use out of the dozens of reusable bags you have likely accumulated. So as you say “bye bye bye” to flimsy single-use plastic bags forever, say hello to your new friend with benefits: the reusable bag.

All the shopping

So you’ve finally gotten into the habit of bringing your reusable bags to the grocery store. YAY! But what about other shopping around town? Bring your own bag to tote around clothes, hair products, to-go orders or convenience store grabs.

Daily grab-n-go items

Use your sturdy reusable bags to carry around your cosmetics, lunch, computer, or gym gear on a daily basis.

The gift that keeps on giving

Many of the cute gift bags we see at the store are made with glitter, plastic and foil, all of which makes them unrecyclable. There are so many options for reusable totes that you can add to your already excellent gift by giving it in a reusable bag.

Fido forever

Dog carriers can be bulky and expensive, but with a great reusable bag, there is no need to purchase anything extra. Just pop your pup in and let them enjoy Austin’s amazing culture with you.

Pack a picnic

Take advantage of that spur-of-the-moment great weather and eat your lunch outside. Pack a picnic with all your treats and reusable gear and seize the day.

Ending any relationship, especially one as long-term as your relationship with plastic bags can take time and dedication before you cut strings for good. With these tips, you can finally end that toxic relationship and move on to a greener, brighter future with your reusable bags.

Each year, Austin entrepreneurs gather business ideas from a very unlikely source: local dumpsters. But not just any dumpster— a business’s dumpster. The annual [Re]Verse Pitch Competition is a social innovation program that helps turn valuable raw materials that are currently leaving local businesses as waste into a resource for a new business.

The competition, organized by the City of Austin, Austin Young Chamber and community partners, starts with an opening pitch event and an audience of entrepreneurs. Unlike your traditional elevator pitch, [Re]Verse Pitch sets the stage for businesses and non-profits to pitch their material to an entrepreneur. Their goal? Inspire an innovator to take the pitched material, find a way to turn it into a resource for a new, successful business venture and ultimately keep the material out of the landfill. By encouraging entrepreneurs to turn one business’s “waste” into their business’s resource, [Re]Verse pitch inspires profitable ventures while supporting a circular local economy.

For its fifth year, [Re]Verse Pitch is throwing it back… by bringing back previously pitched materials! Five businesses and nonprofits will take the stage to pitch their surplus materials which are the following:

Pressboard office furniture from University of Texas Resource Recovery

All-purpose PVC sandals from Travis County Sherriff’s Office

​While these items may seem like waste to the untrained eye, this competition encourages entrepreneurs to view them as valuable resources, and find winning ways to put the materials to use.

During the coming months, entrepreneurs and teams will be matched to a mentor with whom they will create and refine a business idea using the pitched material. Qualifying business ideas and models will be pitched at a final event in April for the chance to win one of two $10,000 Innovation Prizes. At the closing event in April two teams – one new business idea and one existing business that is able to incorporate use of one of the materials – will be crowned [Re]Verse champions.

Want to be one of the artists or entrepreneurs creating business waste solutions? Jump into Austin’s circular economy by attending or competing in this year’s opening pitch event. The first stage of the competition will be held at UT’s Rowling Hall on Monday, February 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., and is open to the public. To learn more, visit www.ReversePitch.org.

It’s been more than a year since the City of Austin joined the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. Austinites and businesses have worked together to decrease the amount of plastic and other single-use items used each day. To that we say, “Kudos!”

Let's look beyond plastic straws and toward the year ahead. We found even more opportunities to make a difference by keeping plastics from overwhelming our City and our seas. Here are some New Year’s resolutions we can all make to reduce single-use plastics in order to contribute to Austin’s commitment in the New Plastics Economy and help the City reach its Zero Waste goal by 2040 (t-minus 20 years to go!).

Buy products, without plastic

Have you ever visited the bulk section of your local grocery store? If not, take a peek on your next trip. You’ll find that many items you regularly buy pre-packaged are offered in bulk. This means you get to decide the quantity you take home, purchasing only what you need. Plus, you can help reduce the need for plastic (and other) packaging by bringing reusable containers to fill. You could save money too, since bulk products are often less expensive.

If you do decide to buy items from the shelf, seek out products packaged in alternative materials. Sauces in glass jars, eggs without Styrofoam cartons, beverages in aluminum cans and pasta in cardboard boxes are all good options.

Put in place a personal care routine, without plastic

Many bath products are sold in plastic bottles. You can ditch those containers by buying shampoo, conditioner and soap in bar form. Bars tend to offer more washes than their bottled counterparts, so you may even save some green while forming greener bath habits.

Play the refill game. You can reduce waste in the bathroom by joining a shaving subscription club and buying deodorant sticks that can be refilled.

Be the life of the party, without plastic

Instead of solo cups and plastic silverware, try renting items from the Austin Dish Lending Library. If you have access to composting, BPI-certified, compostable items may be a good option for your next party. You may also find it cost-effective to visit thrift stores and put together a set of party dishes to have on hand.

As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. Meaning all that glitter donning your favorite party décor is harmful to our environment. The pieces of microplastic that make up glitter can end up in waterways, get ingested by animals and end up in our food system. Alternatively, try paper confetti to add some color and flare to your affair.

In addition, wrapping paper made of glitter and other foil materials can't be recycled in Austin. Instead, use cloth, posters or newspaper to wrap your gifts.

Thinking before purchasing is the best way to make a difference in reducing plastic use. When we choose to buy products with reusable materials and packaging, our dollars support businesses that focus on the planet. This new year, let’s take a major step in reducing plastic waste and moving the dial towards Zero Waste.

Each year, Americans throw away 9.4 million tons of electronics! Much of that waste turns up during, and immediately following, the holiday season. Out with the old, in with the new, right?

Electronics don’t seem to last long these days, especially when a new phone with a better camera and newer technology is released every six months. The EPA estimates that 350,000 phones are thrown out each day! Old electronics don’t belong in the trash can. If not disposed of properly, these items can be dangerous. Many contain lithium batteries, which are fragile and can start fires when tossed around in a trash or recycling truck. In addition, most electronics contain toxic chemicals which can seep into our groundwater if placed in the landfill. So, what are the reuse and disposal options for these items?

In Austin, the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center accepts most kinds of electronics for recycling. In addition to mobile phones, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, battery backups, televisions and even clothes washers and dryers are accepted here, six days a week, free of charge to Austin residents. More than 539 tons of electronics were collected and recycled at the Drop-off Center in 2019.

Remember, the best practice in the name of Zero Waste is always to use the item for as long as you can. If it’s still in working order but no longer of use to you, donate it. If it doesn't work, drop it off to be recycled.

Once the holiday hustle and bustle slows down and the presents have been unwrapped, you’re somehow left with a mountain of excess materials such as cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon and bows, Styrofoam and other packaging materials. You’re not alone! In fact, the amount of trash produced in the United States increases an estimated 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day! But, did you know that a majority of holiday wrapping material can be recycled and/or repurposed? Check out our list of alternative ways to dispose of excess holiday gifting materials.

Tape left on the wrapping paper can be recycled (but try to use as little as possible while wrapping your gifts!)

Tip: Before purchasing new wrapping paper, consider wrapping your gifts with reusable materials such as newspaper or using reusable gift bags this holiday season.

Ribbon and bows

Ribbon and bows are not accepted in your blue recycling cart. However, these items are the easiest to reuse, so hold onto them and reuse them for future gifting. You can also find local organizations that will accept these materials.

Bubble wrap, plastic wrap and other plastic film

Stretchy, flexible materials such as bubble wrap and plastic are not accepted in your City of Austin blue recycling cart. However, you can take this material to the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center; the material must be clean and dry before being dropped off. Additionally, local retailers will accept these items for recycling -- use our handy tool to find a location near you.

Extra Recycling

If you find that your blue recycling cart is overflowing with recyclable materials this holiday season, don’t worry! Place additional items in a cardboard box or a reusable container next to your cart. If you have excess cardboard, please cut or fold the cardboard into 2 feet by 2 feet piles, and tie them into manageable bundles with string or twine. Place the bundles next to your recycling cart. Extra recyclables will be picked up at no extra change. If you find that you often have extra recycling, you can call 512-494-9400 to request an additional blue cart, free of charge.

The Holidays are in full swing. Along with all the joy and merriment, they can also bring a lot of extra waste! In fact, the United States generates 25 percent more waste during the holiday season. Here are some ways you can put a freeze on the issue and spread some eco-friendly cheer.

Gifts

Think back on the Holidays last year and the gifts you received. How many of those gifts do you actually use to this day? The gifts that stand out to me have always been experiences or a story to share with friends and family. This year, consider giving the gift of a great story that the recipient can tell for years to come. Plan a local adventure or take a woodworking class together, repair a well-worn favorite sweater or find a gift with its own unique history at an antique store.

Wrapping

Unfortunately, wrapping paper that has foil or glitter, photo paper and ribbon are not recyclable. Instead, try wrapping your gifts with newspaper, posters, maps, fabric or reuseable gift bags to add a personal touch and avoid the non-recyclables.

Shipping

Now that you have wrapped all these gifts in eco-friendly, reusable materials, it’s time to ship them with that same level of environmental care. Reuse cardboard boxes and other shipping materials. Rather than buying packing peanuts or bubble wrap, try using balled-up, recyclable paper.

Season’s greetings

Planning to send out holiday cards? Instead of using traditional paper and glitter-embossed cards, try sending out Ecards! They are paperless, interactive and easy to distribute. Plus you save on postage! Repurpose any cards you receive to make gift tags, gift boxes or place settings for holiday meals.

Hosting a holiday feast

When it comes to meals, many of us rely on disposable tableware for the uncharacteristically large number of people that we will be serving. Take the extra time to find reusable dishware by borrowing from a family member or friend, or by visiting your local thrift store. You can also reach out to the Austin Dish Lending Library, a new, local service that loans reusable dishes and silverware to Austin area residents at no cost.

Use these tips to make a difference this holiday season by reducing your waste, and your spending. You may even gift yourself a little extra time by not spending it in a crowded department store or post office.

On Monday, April 27, four groups of entrepreneurs gathered online to pitch innovative business ideas to a panel of expert judges at the [Re]Verse Pit­ch competition. What makes these pitches stand out? Each business idea utilized products created out of byproduct material (material waste) from a local business. During the two-hour event, ideas from dog beds made out of scrap decorator fabric samples to indoor pots and planters made out of vinyl record scraps were pitched. But only two winners were chosen and awarded prizes totaling $20,000.

Terra Helmets

Terra Helmets was one of the winning groups, which will be receiving $10,000 from the City of Austin to develop and expand their business idea: repurposing decorator fabric samples, vinyl record scraps and plastic sandals to create helmets for riders of electric rideshare scooters. Terra Helmets will be partnering with local companies for the byproduct materials, including Austin Creative Reuse and International Interior Designers Association (IIDA) for the decorator fabric samples, Gold Rush Vinyl for the vinyl record scraps, and Travis County for the plastic sandals. These byproduct materials, which would normally be sent to the landfill, will be used to make durable helmets for local residents using electric scooters. Thanks to creators Aadhikesh Boopalam, Seniru Kottegoda and Collin McCloskey, these materials will have a new life. “Using byproduct materials from local businesses and turning them into helmets allows us to keep ‘waste’ out of the landfill and foster a safe community. We’re protecting the earth while protecting your head,” said McCloskey of Terra Helmets during their final pitch event.

LoFi Recycling Systems

The second winner, LoFi Recycling Systems, was awarded the other $10,000 to develop and expand their business, which repurposes vinyl record scraps into indoor pots and planters. These pots and planters are a creative solution to recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which makes up the vinyl records. Although a widely used plastic, PVC can be very difficult to recycle. Samantha Panger and Destin Douglas of LoFi Recycling Systems saw the material’s potential as a resource and are hopeful their business will grow as a sustainable solution to the concern of byproduct waste. “We want to keep PVC from ever ending up in a landfill, and turn it into something useful,” says Panger. “We will be able to use and shape this material into pots and planters… it’s a new and exciting way to recycle plastic waste.

A final congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Reverse Pitch competition. Your inspiring and innovative solutions to keeping byproduct waste out of our landfills helps better our city in more ways than one. We applaud your efforts and participation in our Zero Waste competition series. Join us next year to see what creative solutions Austinites come up with next!

As we Stay At Home – Work Safe, many of us have seen an increase in the amount of trash, recycling, compost and yard trimmings we are setting at the curb. Last week, Austin Resource Recovery Director Ken Snipes talked about what you can do to protect our waste collection workers. Another way to help is doing your part to sort and dispose of items the right way.

1. Know before you throw

Not sure what to do with used wipes, masks and rubber gloves? Learn what to do with each item you are trying to dispose of by playing the Austin Recycles Game, using ourwhat do I do with...? tool or downloading the Austin Recycles App.

2. Fill your cart first

We’ve waived all extra trash fees at this time, but we are asking that you secure all trash in plastic trash bags and fill your cart first. If your cart is full, securely tie any extra bags and leave them next to your trash cart.

Recyclables should be clean and loose in your carts. Fit as much as you can in the cart by breaking down boxes and crushing cans. If you have too much recycling to fit in your cart, you can use an extra box to fill with recyclables or call 3-1-1 to request a second recycle cart at no additional cost.

Make sure you fill your green compost cart first and put any extra yard trimmings in lawn and leaf bags.

3. Make the switch to reusable

There’s no better time than now to learn how to ditch single-use plastics and go reusable. One way to reduce the amount of waste you are hauling to the curb is by not generating that waste in the first place! Refuse plasticware on your take-out orders, use reusable containers for leftovers, or skip bottled water in favor of reusable cups or water bottles. Making small changes to your daily habits can add up to a lot of trash and recyclables that you’ll no longer be putting in your carts.

Every extra effort you can make to reduce your waste and educate yourself on how to dispose of items helps our employees stay safe on the job. Thank you for doing your part!

Over the past few weeks, we have seen strong interest regarding what we are doing to protect our waste collection workers. I’d like to highlight the importance of these critical workers and the vital role that they play to protect the health and safety of our community. I’d also like to underscore actions that both organizations and the public should consider in protecting our frontline workers.

The front lines

Doctors, nurses, emergency medical service providers, first responders. These occupations are easily recognizable as “front line” service providers and deservedly so. They work tirelessly to test and treat those affected by COVID-19; coming in contact with the virus we still have much about which to learn. That said, seldom do we think about other occupations that are also out there on the front lines, like sanitation workers. Waste collection is critical to protect our people and communities. These workers are typically not who first come to mind when we think about the front lines, but I think they should be. Not ahead of any of the other frontline service providers, but right alongside them.

The 1918 Flu and waste collection

One of the great pandemics in our history was the 1918 flu. Worldwide, roughly 50 million people died from the disease, with about 675,000 deaths in the United States. The disease was so devastating that the life expectancy in the United States was lowered from 51 years in 1917 to 39 years in 1918. No one was spared!

In many cities, waste collection workers were hit especially hard. As the disease spread through and thinned their ranks, garbage piled up. In San Francisco, the issue was so significant; the city had no choice but to cover piles of garbage with dirt. In other cities along the east coast, trash piled up in the streets as high as two to three feet. As we fast forward to 2020 and the COVID-19 outbreak, the question before us now is, what have we learned from the 1918 outbreak and others that we can use to protect our waste collection workers?

Protecting our waste collection workers

Protections should begin with providing as much social distance as possible. An essential component of social distancing is to stay at home, but for our sanitation workers, that is not an option.

Organizations should explore opportunities to reduce the number of funnel points collection workers encounter daily. Considerations should include reducing the number of indoor meetings, engagements in tight quarters, and restricting daily access to and reliance on locker rooms. Industry leaders should also consider reducing three-person work crews to two-person teams, where feasible and safe to do so. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including single-use and puncture-proof gloves, eye protection and, when available, masks should be strictly enforced. All vehicles, equipment and frequent touchpoints should be sanitized frequently.

Finally, there are steps the public can take to help protect waste collection workers too. They should be asked to bag and securely tie all trash, as collection workers should avoid coming into contact with loose trash. Additionally, the public can wipe down their cart handles when they set them out for collections.

Let’s all do our part to protect these unsung frontline workers so that they and their families remain safe and healthy.

Breakups are hard, but deep down you know it’s usually for the best. Especially, when you are breaking up with plastic bags. Many Austinites are in the habit of bringing their own bags to the grocery store, but there are a lot of unexpected ways to get more use out of the dozens of reusable bags you have likely accumulated. So as you say “bye bye bye” to flimsy single-use plastic bags forever, say hello to your new friend with benefits: the reusable bag.

All the shopping

So you’ve finally gotten into the habit of bringing your reusable bags to the grocery store. YAY! But what about other shopping around town? Bring your own bag to tote around clothes, hair products, to-go orders or convenience store grabs.

Daily grab-n-go items

Use your sturdy reusable bags to carry around your cosmetics, lunch, computer, or gym gear on a daily basis.

The gift that keeps on giving

Many of the cute gift bags we see at the store are made with glitter, plastic and foil, all of which makes them unrecyclable. There are so many options for reusable totes that you can add to your already excellent gift by giving it in a reusable bag.

Fido forever

Dog carriers can be bulky and expensive, but with a great reusable bag, there is no need to purchase anything extra. Just pop your pup in and let them enjoy Austin’s amazing culture with you.

Pack a picnic

Take advantage of that spur-of-the-moment great weather and eat your lunch outside. Pack a picnic with all your treats and reusable gear and seize the day.

Ending any relationship, especially one as long-term as your relationship with plastic bags can take time and dedication before you cut strings for good. With these tips, you can finally end that toxic relationship and move on to a greener, brighter future with your reusable bags.

Each year, Austin entrepreneurs gather business ideas from a very unlikely source: local dumpsters. But not just any dumpster— a business’s dumpster. The annual [Re]Verse Pitch Competition is a social innovation program that helps turn valuable raw materials that are currently leaving local businesses as waste into a resource for a new business.

The competition, organized by the City of Austin, Austin Young Chamber and community partners, starts with an opening pitch event and an audience of entrepreneurs. Unlike your traditional elevator pitch, [Re]Verse Pitch sets the stage for businesses and non-profits to pitch their material to an entrepreneur. Their goal? Inspire an innovator to take the pitched material, find a way to turn it into a resource for a new, successful business venture and ultimately keep the material out of the landfill. By encouraging entrepreneurs to turn one business’s “waste” into their business’s resource, [Re]Verse pitch inspires profitable ventures while supporting a circular local economy.

For its fifth year, [Re]Verse Pitch is throwing it back… by bringing back previously pitched materials! Five businesses and nonprofits will take the stage to pitch their surplus materials which are the following:

Pressboard office furniture from University of Texas Resource Recovery

All-purpose PVC sandals from Travis County Sherriff’s Office

​While these items may seem like waste to the untrained eye, this competition encourages entrepreneurs to view them as valuable resources, and find winning ways to put the materials to use.

During the coming months, entrepreneurs and teams will be matched to a mentor with whom they will create and refine a business idea using the pitched material. Qualifying business ideas and models will be pitched at a final event in April for the chance to win one of two $10,000 Innovation Prizes. At the closing event in April two teams – one new business idea and one existing business that is able to incorporate use of one of the materials – will be crowned [Re]Verse champions.

Want to be one of the artists or entrepreneurs creating business waste solutions? Jump into Austin’s circular economy by attending or competing in this year’s opening pitch event. The first stage of the competition will be held at UT’s Rowling Hall on Monday, February 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., and is open to the public. To learn more, visit www.ReversePitch.org.

It’s been more than a year since the City of Austin joined the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. Austinites and businesses have worked together to decrease the amount of plastic and other single-use items used each day. To that we say, “Kudos!”

Let's look beyond plastic straws and toward the year ahead. We found even more opportunities to make a difference by keeping plastics from overwhelming our City and our seas. Here are some New Year’s resolutions we can all make to reduce single-use plastics in order to contribute to Austin’s commitment in the New Plastics Economy and help the City reach its Zero Waste goal by 2040 (t-minus 20 years to go!).

Buy products, without plastic

Have you ever visited the bulk section of your local grocery store? If not, take a peek on your next trip. You’ll find that many items you regularly buy pre-packaged are offered in bulk. This means you get to decide the quantity you take home, purchasing only what you need. Plus, you can help reduce the need for plastic (and other) packaging by bringing reusable containers to fill. You could save money too, since bulk products are often less expensive.

If you do decide to buy items from the shelf, seek out products packaged in alternative materials. Sauces in glass jars, eggs without Styrofoam cartons, beverages in aluminum cans and pasta in cardboard boxes are all good options.

Put in place a personal care routine, without plastic

Many bath products are sold in plastic bottles. You can ditch those containers by buying shampoo, conditioner and soap in bar form. Bars tend to offer more washes than their bottled counterparts, so you may even save some green while forming greener bath habits.

Play the refill game. You can reduce waste in the bathroom by joining a shaving subscription club and buying deodorant sticks that can be refilled.

Be the life of the party, without plastic

Instead of solo cups and plastic silverware, try renting items from the Austin Dish Lending Library. If you have access to composting, BPI-certified, compostable items may be a good option for your next party. You may also find it cost-effective to visit thrift stores and put together a set of party dishes to have on hand.

As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. Meaning all that glitter donning your favorite party décor is harmful to our environment. The pieces of microplastic that make up glitter can end up in waterways, get ingested by animals and end up in our food system. Alternatively, try paper confetti to add some color and flare to your affair.

In addition, wrapping paper made of glitter and other foil materials can't be recycled in Austin. Instead, use cloth, posters or newspaper to wrap your gifts.

Thinking before purchasing is the best way to make a difference in reducing plastic use. When we choose to buy products with reusable materials and packaging, our dollars support businesses that focus on the planet. This new year, let’s take a major step in reducing plastic waste and moving the dial towards Zero Waste.

Each year, Americans throw away 9.4 million tons of electronics! Much of that waste turns up during, and immediately following, the holiday season. Out with the old, in with the new, right?

Electronics don’t seem to last long these days, especially when a new phone with a better camera and newer technology is released every six months. The EPA estimates that 350,000 phones are thrown out each day! Old electronics don’t belong in the trash can. If not disposed of properly, these items can be dangerous. Many contain lithium batteries, which are fragile and can start fires when tossed around in a trash or recycling truck. In addition, most electronics contain toxic chemicals which can seep into our groundwater if placed in the landfill. So, what are the reuse and disposal options for these items?

In Austin, the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center accepts most kinds of electronics for recycling. In addition to mobile phones, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, battery backups, televisions and even clothes washers and dryers are accepted here, six days a week, free of charge to Austin residents. More than 539 tons of electronics were collected and recycled at the Drop-off Center in 2019.

Remember, the best practice in the name of Zero Waste is always to use the item for as long as you can. If it’s still in working order but no longer of use to you, donate it. If it doesn't work, drop it off to be recycled.

Once the holiday hustle and bustle slows down and the presents have been unwrapped, you’re somehow left with a mountain of excess materials such as cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon and bows, Styrofoam and other packaging materials. You’re not alone! In fact, the amount of trash produced in the United States increases an estimated 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day! But, did you know that a majority of holiday wrapping material can be recycled and/or repurposed? Check out our list of alternative ways to dispose of excess holiday gifting materials.

Tape left on the wrapping paper can be recycled (but try to use as little as possible while wrapping your gifts!)

Tip: Before purchasing new wrapping paper, consider wrapping your gifts with reusable materials such as newspaper or using reusable gift bags this holiday season.

Ribbon and bows

Ribbon and bows are not accepted in your blue recycling cart. However, these items are the easiest to reuse, so hold onto them and reuse them for future gifting. You can also find local organizations that will accept these materials.

Bubble wrap, plastic wrap and other plastic film

Stretchy, flexible materials such as bubble wrap and plastic are not accepted in your City of Austin blue recycling cart. However, you can take this material to the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center; the material must be clean and dry before being dropped off. Additionally, local retailers will accept these items for recycling -- use our handy tool to find a location near you.

Extra Recycling

If you find that your blue recycling cart is overflowing with recyclable materials this holiday season, don’t worry! Place additional items in a cardboard box or a reusable container next to your cart. If you have excess cardboard, please cut or fold the cardboard into 2 feet by 2 feet piles, and tie them into manageable bundles with string or twine. Place the bundles next to your recycling cart. Extra recyclables will be picked up at no extra change. If you find that you often have extra recycling, you can call 512-494-9400 to request an additional blue cart, free of charge.

The Holidays are in full swing. Along with all the joy and merriment, they can also bring a lot of extra waste! In fact, the United States generates 25 percent more waste during the holiday season. Here are some ways you can put a freeze on the issue and spread some eco-friendly cheer.

Gifts

Think back on the Holidays last year and the gifts you received. How many of those gifts do you actually use to this day? The gifts that stand out to me have always been experiences or a story to share with friends and family. This year, consider giving the gift of a great story that the recipient can tell for years to come. Plan a local adventure or take a woodworking class together, repair a well-worn favorite sweater or find a gift with its own unique history at an antique store.

Wrapping

Unfortunately, wrapping paper that has foil or glitter, photo paper and ribbon are not recyclable. Instead, try wrapping your gifts with newspaper, posters, maps, fabric or reuseable gift bags to add a personal touch and avoid the non-recyclables.

Shipping

Now that you have wrapped all these gifts in eco-friendly, reusable materials, it’s time to ship them with that same level of environmental care. Reuse cardboard boxes and other shipping materials. Rather than buying packing peanuts or bubble wrap, try using balled-up, recyclable paper.

Season’s greetings

Planning to send out holiday cards? Instead of using traditional paper and glitter-embossed cards, try sending out Ecards! They are paperless, interactive and easy to distribute. Plus you save on postage! Repurpose any cards you receive to make gift tags, gift boxes or place settings for holiday meals.

Hosting a holiday feast

When it comes to meals, many of us rely on disposable tableware for the uncharacteristically large number of people that we will be serving. Take the extra time to find reusable dishware by borrowing from a family member or friend, or by visiting your local thrift store. You can also reach out to the Austin Dish Lending Library, a new, local service that loans reusable dishes and silverware to Austin area residents at no cost.

Use these tips to make a difference this holiday season by reducing your waste, and your spending. You may even gift yourself a little extra time by not spending it in a crowded department store or post office.